New York Application for Correction of Certificate of Birth (DOH-297)

Who can use this form

• The physician or other birth attendant who signed the certificate, if the error was made when the certificate was completed.
• If that person is not available, the parents, or the individual if 18 or older, with documentary evidence.
• The office's instructions say a parent named on the certificate or a legal guardian signs for a person under 18.
• This form may not be used to change names.
• Changes for adoption, determination of parentage or change of name need a certified copy of a court order.

What to send with it

• The completed and signed application showing each item as it appears and as it should be, with the reason for the error or omission.
• Documentary evidence made near the date of birth, such as a hospital record, church or synagogue record, school record or state or federal census record.
• Original documents or certified copies from a government office. The instructions say notarized copies, photocopies and altered documents are not accepted.
• An official English translation of any document in another language.
• A check or money order payable to NYS Department of Health if you also want a certified copy of the corrected record.

Where to send it

Mail to

New York State Department of Health Vital Records Correction Unit P.O. Box 2602 Albany, NY 12220-2602

State fee

The form prints no fee. The office's birth corrections instructions (August 2020) say there is no fee for a correction or an amendment, a certified copy of a corrected record costs $30, and one amended birth certificate is issued free of charge after an amendment.

Typical processing

Not provided

Form revision

1/2002

Source

Official government page